Generalized Graph Manifolds, Residual Finiteness, and the Singer Conjecture

Abstract: We prove the Singer conjecture for extended graph manifolds and pure complex-hyperbolic higher graph manifolds with residually finite fundamental groups. In real dimension three, where a result of Hempel ensures that the fundamental group is always residually finite, we then provide a Price type inequality proof of a well-known result of Lott and Lueck. Finally, we give several classes of higher graph manifolds which do indeed have residually finite fundamental groups.